Nutritional recommendations for

PEPPER
in open-field, tunnels and greenhouse

Botanical name: Capsicum annuum L.

Synonyms: Capsicum, bell-pepper, paprika, piment, pimiento, pepperoni, gemusepaprika.

Contents:
1 General growing conditions ........................................................................................ 3
1.1 Growing methods ........................................................................................................................ 3
1.2 Soil types ......................................................................................................................................... 3
1.3 Specific sensitivities ..................................................................................................................... 3
1.4 Desirable temperatures ............................................................................................................ 4
1.5 Irrigation .......................................................................................................................................... 4
1.6 Crop uses ........................................................................................................................................ 4
1.7 Growth stages ............................................................................................................................... 4
2 Nutritional requirements ............................................................................................ 5
2.1 Main functions of plant nutrients ........................................................................................... 5
2.2 Nutrients uptake curves ............................................................................................................. 6
2.3 N-P-K functions in pepper ......................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Nutritional disorders in peppers ............................................................................................. 8
2.5 Leaf analysis standards ............................................................................................................ 12
2.6 Plant nutrients requirements ................................................................................................. 13
3 Fertilization recommendations ................................................................................ 14
3.1 Soil-grown pepper ..................................................................................................................... 14
3.1.1 Haifa NutriNet™ web software for Nutrigation™ programs ........................... 14
a. Base-dressing ............................................................................................................ 14
b. Nutrigation™ .............................................................................................................. 15
3.1.2 Poly-Feed® water-soluble NPK fertilizers .............................................................. 18
3.1.3 Multicote® Agri controlled release fertilizers ...................................................... 18
3.1.4 Foliar nutrition................................................................................................................ 19
3.2 Soilless-grown pepper.............................................................................................................. 20
3.2.1 Straight fertilizers .......................................................................................................... 20
3.2.2 Poly-Feed® water-soluble NPKs................................................................................ 25
Appendix I: HAIFA Specialty Fertilizers .......................................................................... 26
Appendix II: Conversion tables ....................................................................................... 29
1. General growing conditions
1.1 Growing method
Open-field, greenhouse or tunnels

1.2 Soil type

Better results will be obtained by growing in light soil such as sandy loam or loams, well drained,
rich in organic matter. The preferable pH of the soil should be between 6.5 and 7.5.

1.3 Specific sensitivities

Sensitivity to soil-borne diseases
Peppers are prone to soil-borne diseases caused by fungi, viruses or bacteria. Therefore it is
recommended to avoid growing peppers on plots that used for other sensitive crops (tomatoes,
eggplants, Irish potatoes, sweet potatoes, cotton, soybeans and others) on recent years. A regime
of 3-year rotation between small grains and pepper is recommended.

Sensitivity to salinity
Under saline conditions, sodium cations compete with the potassium cations for the uptake sites in
the roots, and chloride competes for the uptake of nitrate-nitrogen and will reduce yield. This will
result in a potassium deficiency in the pepper plants, leading to a low fruit number per plant.
Corrective measures under such conditions must include the following steps:
 Abundant application of potassium, as this specific cation can successfully compete with the
sodium, and considerably reduce its uptake and negative effects.
 Abundant application of nitrate, as this specific anion can successfully compete with chloride,
and markedly reduce its uptake and adverse effects.
 Also, calcium may help to suppress the uptake of sodium. When sufficient calcium is available,
the roots prefer uptake of potassium to sodium, and sodium uptake will be suppressed.
Zinc nutrition in plants seems to play a major role in the resistance to salt in pepper and other
crops. Adequate zinc (Zn) nutritional status improves salt stress tolerance, possibly, by affecting the
structural integrity and controlling the permeability of root cell membranes. Adequate Zn nutrition
reduces excessive uptake of sodium (Na+) by roots in saline conditions.
The methods of implementing these measures are discussed in chapter 2.

Sensitivity to calcium deficiency

Peppers are highly sensitive to calcium deficiency, which is manifested in the Blossom-end rot
(BER) symptom on the fruits. Salinity conditions severely enhance BER intensity. But manganese
(Mn) was recently found to serve as antioxidant in pepper fruit hence the addition of manganese to
peppers grown under salinity may alleviate BER symptoms in the fruits. Special care must be taken
to avoid growing conditions, which enhance BER phenomenon. Please read more about it in
chapter 2.

3
1.4 Desirable temperatures

Table 1. Optimal temperatures for pepper plants by growth stage.

Temperature (0C)
Growth stage
Minimum Maximum Optimal
Germination
3B 13 40 20-25
20-25 (day)
Vegetative growth 15 32
16-18 (night)
26-28 (day)
Flowering and fruiting 18 35
18-20 (night)

1.5 Irrigation
Greenhouse grown peppers enjoy a longer growing season. They consume, therefore, a larger
amount of water than open-field grown peppers during their respective growing season.
Water stress affects pepper growth by reducing the number of leaves and the leaf area, resulting in
less transpiration and photosynthesis. Root density is reduced by ~20 % under water stress
conditions, compared to sufficiently irrigated plants.
Excessive irrigation will cause water-logging, root death due to anaerobic soil conditions, delayed
flowering and fruit disorders.
The root system consists of a deep taproot with laterally spread branches about 50 cm long, and
adventitious roots. Therefore a drip system equipped with a Nutrigation™ (fertigation) device is
advisable.

1.6 Crop uses

Pepper is used as a fresh vegetable, pickled vegetable, fresh chili spice and dried paprika powder.

1.7 Growth stages

Growth stages of plants consist of four general periods, having unique nutritional needs of the
plant, consequently requiring different fertilization regimes:
• Vegetative growth from planting or seeding to first flowering.
• From flowering to fruit set
• Fruit ripening to first harvest
• From first to last harvest

The duration of each stage may vary according to growing method, variety characteristics and
climatic conditions.

4
Table 2: An example of various growth stages durations:
Location: Central Israel
Variety: Maor
Growing method: Greenhouse
Number of days to flowering: 35-40
Number of days to 1st harvest: 70

Stage duration Plant age

Growth stage
(days) (days)
Planting 1 1
Vegetative 24 25
Flowering 10 35
Fruit set 10 45
1 Harvest
st
25 70
Harvest to Last Harvest 170 240

2. Nutritional requirements
2.1 Main functions of plant nutrients
Table 3: Summary of main functions of plant nutrients:

Nutrient Functions
Nitrogen (N) Synthesis of proteins (growth and yield).
Phosphorus (P) Cellular division and formation of energetic structures.
Potassium (K) Transport of sugars, stomata control, cofactor of many enzymes, reduces
susceptibility to plant diseases and a-biotic stresses, counteracts salinity
Calcium (Ca) A major building block in cell walls, and reduces susceptibility to diseases.
Sulphur (S) Synthesis of essential amino acids cystin and methionine.
Magnesium (Mg) Central part of chlorophyll molecule.
Iron (Fe) Chlorophyll synthesis.
Manganese (Mn) Necessary in the photosynthesis process.
Boron (B) Formation of cell wall. Germination and elongation of pollen tube.
Participates in the metabolism and transport of sugars.
Zinc (Zn) Auxins synthesis.
Copper (Cu) Influences in the metabolism of nitrogen and carbohydrates.
Molybdenum (Mo) Component of nitrate-reductase and nitrogenase enzymes.

5
2.2 Nutrient uptake curves
Figure 1: Nutrient requirements curves (kg/ha/day) in pepper cv Maor.
Seeding: July 14th ; Soil type: Sand ; Plant Density: 100,000 plants/ha
Expected yield: 75 T/ha

Daily uptake 8
(kg/ha)
N
7
P2O5
6 K2O

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130

Days after seeding

As can be seen in figure 1, the greatest absorption of nutrients occurs in the first 60 days of growth,
and another peak takes place after the first fruit removal. Therefore, the plant requires high
nitrogen application early in the growing season with supplemental applications after the fruit
initiation stage. Improved nitrogen use efficiency and greater yields are achieved when the
nitrogen is applied under polyethylene mulches and with 12 weekly N applications in a drip
irrigation system (Nutrigation™).
At least 50-90% of the total nitrogen should be applied in nitrate (NO3- ) form.

2.3 N-P-K functions in pepper

Nitrogen (N) contributes to the vegetative growth of the pepper plant. It is important that the
plant, when reaching the flowering stage, will be well developed vegetatively; or it will have a low
yielding potential. Pepper plants were found to positively respond (by increasing number of
flowers and fruits) to higher nitrogen concentrations than the usual norms for other crops.
Phosphorus (P) is essential for the normal development of the roots and reproductive organs
(flowers, fruit, seeds). Highly available phosphorous is needed for the establishment of the
transplant. Phosphorus shortage in the soil will result in development of too small and short
branches, many undeveloped buds and less fruit in general. Adequate phosphorus enhances early
fruit ripening.
Potassium (K) - adequate levels enhance the accumulation of carbohydrates and the resistance to
low temperatures and diseases. See figure 2.
Potassium deficiency slows down the growth rate of pepper plants. Potassium deficiency
symptoms are: brown spots at the edges of the leaves and fruits, and sometimes there is curling
and drying of the leaves. Severe potassium deficiency will retard the transportation of sugars
within the plant, leading to starch accumulation in the lower leaves.

6
Figure 2: Effects of potassium (K) on pepper yield, under constant N rate of 224 kg/ha

Pepper yield
(MT/ha)

K2O rate (kg/ha)

Table 4: Example of optional growing methods and the required rates of macro- and secondary
plant nutrients

Greenhouse Open Field

Expected yield (T/ha) 75 - 200 11 - 140

Plant density (plants/ha) 50,000 - 100,000 30,000 - 50,000

Nutrients Uptake (kg/ha)

N 390 - 920 116 - 705

P2O5 200 - 330 132 - 276
K2O 640 - 1530 174 - 1155
CaO 100 - 210 38 - 174
MgO 60 - 150 22 - 115
S 40 - 50 35 - 40

7
2.4 Nutritional disorders in pepper
Table 5: Visual symptoms exhibited by pepper plants under nutritional disorders

Nutrient
0B Deficiency symptoms Excess / Toxicity symptoms
Nitrogen
2B Plant development gradually slows Plants are usually dark green in color,
down. Gradual drying, beginning at have abundant foliage, but usually
leaf margins, of the area between the with a restricted root system.
lower leaf veins. The petioles bend Flowering and seed production can be
and hang downwards, parallel to the retarded.
stem. The plant develops few flowers
and fruit setting is poor. The fruit
receptacle is thin, and the ovary is
small. Sometimes there is no fruit
development on the plant at all, and
on those plants that bear fruits, the
fruit is deformed. See figure 3.
Phosphorus The plants display limited growth. The No typical primary symptoms. Copper
leaves are hard and brittle to the and zinc deficiencies may occur due to
touch. Flower formation is defective. excessive phosphorus.
Few flowers develop, and in those that
do develop, only one in every four or
five develops a fruit. The fruit is
underdeveloped, with a thin
receptacle, and very few seeds. The
root system is undeveloped.
See figure 4.
Potassium Yellow chlorosis spots appear Usually not excessively absorbed by
between leaf veins, firstly in the lower plants. Excessive potassium may lead
leaves. The veins and the areas to magnesium, manganese, zinc or
adjacent to these spots do not change iron deficiencies.
their color. Later, the chlorotic spots
become lighter. (This can be seen
mainly in the upper parts of the plant).
There is little fruit setting, and not
much fruit, which is smaller than usual.
See figure 5.
Sulfur Causes leaves to become yellowish. Reduction in growth and leaf size. Leaf
symptoms often absent or poorly
defined. Sometimes interveinal
yellowing or leaf burning.

8
Nutrient
1B Deficiency symptoms
Magnesium Is common on pepper plants. Yellowing
of the leaves is apparent in the
interveinal areas and veins remain
green. The oldest leaves are affected
first. Sometimes magnesium deficiency
occurs when excessive applications of
potassium have been made. It may also
show up under extremely hot dry
weather. See figure 6.
Calcium The most common reason for Blossom
End Rot of the fruit (see figure 7). This
may be corrected by foliar spray of
calcium chloride or calcium nitrate.
Further information following on
page 10.
Iron
4B Symptoms show at the later stages of
growth. The young leaves fade and then
become yellow in the areas between the
veins. The veins remain green.
Chloride Wilted leaves, which then become
chlorotic bronze, and necrotic.
Roots become stunted and thickened
near tips.
Manganese Chlorotic spots between the upper
leaf veins.
Boron The deficiency manifests itself very
quickly. The lower leaves curl upwards.
Growth is stunted. The plant develops a
thick, short stem. The apex withers and
the leaves become yellow from bottom
to top of the plant. See figure 8. There is
a reduced production of flowers, and
fruit setting is poor.
Zinc The leaves become narrow and small
in chili.
Copper Appear late in the vegetative stage. The
leaf margins curl and dry up. The leaves
and the fruit become narrow and
rectangular.
Molybdenum The foliage turns yellow-green and
growth is somewhat restricted. The
deficiency occurs most commonly on
acidic substrates.
9
Excess / Toxicity symptoms
Very little information available.
No consistent visible symptoms.
Usually associated with excessive soil
carbonate.
Rarely evident in natural conditions.
Has been observed after foliar iron
sprays manifested as necrotic spots.
Burning or firing of leaf tips or
margins. Bronzing, yellowing and leaf
abscission and sometimes chlorosis.
Reduced leaf size and lower
growth rate.
Sometimes chlorosis, uneven
chlorophyll distribution. Reduction in
growth. Lesions and leaf shedding
may develop later.
Yellowing of leaf tip followed by
progressive necrosis of the leaf
beginning at tip or margins and
proceeding toward midrib.
See figure 9.
Excessive zinc commonly produces
iron chlorosis in plants.
Reduced growth followed by
symptoms of iron chlorosis, stunting,
reduced branching, thickening and
abnormal darkening of rootlets.
Rarely observed. Sometimes leaves
turn golden yellow.
Figure 3: Nitrogen (N) deficiency

Figure 4: Phosphorus (P) deficiency

Figure 5: Potassium (K) deficiency

10
Figure 6: Magnesium (Mg) deficiency.

Figure 7: Calcium (Ca) deficiency as blossom-end rot (BER) of the fruit

Blossom end rot (BER)

BER occurs mainly during hot weather conditions. Fruits are affected in their early stages of
development (10-15 days after fruit set); the cause is related to the rate of calcium supply to the
fruit, which is lower than the rate of the fruit growth. This results in the collapse of certain tissues in
the fruit, demonstrated as BER. Factors that favor BER are directly related to limited calcium uptake
and transport to the fruit, like high salinity, high temperatures and high growing intensity and
water shortage.

Pepper spots
Black spot or stip is shown in the fruit as grey/black spots, which develop under the skin in the fruit
wall about the time the fruit attains a diameter of 8 centimeters or more. As the fruits ripen, the
spots slightly enlarge and turn green or yellow. Stip is a calcium disorder, caused by excessive N-
NH4 and K rates. Susceptibility greatly varies by variety.

11
Figure 8: Boron deficiency; the growing points die and decay, and the leaves are misshapen

Figure 9: Boron excess

2.5 Leaf analysis standards

Table 6: Macro and secondary plant nutrients contents in pepper plant leaves
Deficient Normal High
% of dry matter
N 2-2.5 3-4 4-5
P 0.25 0.3-0.4 0.4-0.6
K 2 3.5-4.5 4.5-5.5
Ca 1 1.5-2 5-6
Mg 0.25 0.25-0.4 0.4-0.6
Na 0.1

12
Table 7: Micro plant nutrients contents in pepper plant leaves:
Deficient Normal High
ppm of dry matter
Fe 50-100 200-300 300-500
Mn 25 80-120 140-200
Zn 25-40 40-50 60-200
Cu 15-20 24-40
B 40-60 60-100
Mo 0.4 0.6

2.6 Plant Nutrient Requirements

Table 8: Nutritional requirements of pepper in greenhouse

Expected yield Removal by yield (kg/ha( Uptake by whole plant (kg/ha)
(Ton/ha) N P2O5 K2O CaO MgO N P2O5 K2O CaO MgO
25 50 15 87 12 7 140 35 201 107 32
50 100 30 175 25 15 221 57 330 153 49
75 150 45 262 37 22 303 79 457 198 64
100 200 60 350 50 30 384 101 585 244 81
125 250 75 437 62 37 466 123 712 290 97
150 300 90 525 75 45 547 145 841 336 114
175 350 105 612 87 52 629 167 968 381 129
200 400 120 700 100 60 710 189 1096 427 146

Table 9: Nutritional requirements of pepper in open field

Expected yield Removal by yield (kg/ha( Uptake by whole plant (kg/ha)
(Ton/ha) N P2O5 K2O CaO MgO N P2O5 K2O CaO MgO
20 40 12 70 10 6 121 30 173 95 28
40 80 24 140 20 12 191 49 282 137 43
60 120 36 210 30 18 261 67 390 179 57
80 160 48 280 40 24 331 86 499 221 72
100 200 60 350 50 30 402 105 608 263 86
120 240 72 420 60 36 472 124 716 305 100
140 280 84 490 70 42 542 142 825 347 115

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3. Fertilization recommendations
The recommendations appearing in this document should be regarded as a general guide only.
The exact fertilization program should be determined according to the specific crop needs, soil and
water conditions, and the grower’s experience. For detailed recommendations, consult a local Haifa
representative.

Disclaimer: Any use of the information given here is made at the reader’s sole risk. Haifa Chemicals
Ltd. provides no warranty whatsoever for "Error Free" data, nor does it warrants the results that
may be obtained from use of the provided data, or as to the accuracy, reliability or content of any
information provided here.

In no event will Haifa Chemicals Ltd. or its employees be liable for any damage or punitive
damages arising out of the use of or inability to use the data included.

3.1 Soil-grown pepper

3.1.1 Haifa NutriNet™ web software for Nutrigation™ programs

Haifa fertilization recommendations are available in the online Knowledge Center on our website,
www.haifa-group.com. Use the NutriNet™ web software, accessible through our website or directly
at www.haifa-nutrinet.com, to generate customized Nutrigation™ programs, considering specific
growth conditions.

The following is an example of recommendations, determined by NutriNet™, with the assumption

to split the scheduled fertilization into:
a) Base-dressing (pre-plant) fertilizers, followed by:
b) Nutrigation™ (fertigation) at different growth stages, on sandy-loam soil, when the expected
yield is 65 ton/ha:

a) Base-dressing (kg/ha):

14
b) Nutrigation™

Total amount of fertigation-applied fertilizers (kg/ha)

Table 10: The total contribution of plant nutrients from each fertilizer as calculated by NutriNet™:
Fertilizer kg/ha N P2O5 K2O CaO MgO
Ammonium nitrate 34-0-0 247.7 81.7
Haifa MAP 12-61-0 126.2 15.5 77
Multi-K® 13-0-46 760.9 98.9 350
Calcium nitrate (26% CaO) 73.1 11 19
Magnesium sulfate (16% MgO) 75 12
Total 1283 215 77 350 19 12

Table 11: Recommended nutrient rates per ha per day and per growth stage as calculated
by NutriNet™:
Phase Days from kg/ha/day kg/ha/phase
sowing / planting N P2O5 K2O CaO MgO N P2O5 K2O CaO MgO
Planting 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 0
1 phase
st
2-30 0.66 0.24 1.07 0.07 0.03 119 7 31 2 1
Main season 31-70 2.65 0.95 43 0.23 0.15 106 38 172 9 6
End season 71-130 1.98 0.72 3.23 0.18 0.12 119 43 194 11 7

Total 2455 88 398 22 14

15
Table 12: Recommended fertilizers rates per growth stage
Phase Days from kg/ha/phase
sowing / Ammonium Haifa MAP* Multi-K® Haifa Cal* Magnesium
planting nitrate 12-61-0 * (26% CaO) sulfate
34-0-0 13-0-46 (16% MgO)
Planting 1 2 0 2 0 0
1 phase
st
2-30 23 11 67 8 6
Main season 31-70 132 62 374 35 38
End season 71-130 145 70 422 42 44
Total 302 143 965 85 88

*
Multi-K® = Potassium nitrate
Haifa MAP = Mono-ammonium phosphate
Haifa Cal = Calcium nitrate

16
Example: Growing practice of peppers in Israel
Duration of the growth season:
 In the southern part of the country (dry and hot climate) growth season of pepper in net
houses starts on August and ends by the end of April. The season is rather long because
of the scarcity of precipitates (ca 70 mm per year).
 The summer growth term starts on April and lasts till the end of December.
 In greenhouses and plastic tunnels the growth season is between August and April.
 In open field the season starts on April and ends on June.

Table 13: NK ratio

The N:K ratio is 1-1.5 to 1-2
Kg / ha /Ton pepper yield
N 20-30
P2O5* 27.5
K2O* 48-60
* Conversion factors: P = P2O5 x 0.44 ; K = K2O x 0.83

Standard pepper plant density in Israel is 30,000 – 35,000 plants/ ha.

Average yield of open-field grown pepper in Israel is 55 – 70 T/ha.
Average yield of net house grown pepper in Israel is 90 – 110 T/ha.

Table 14: Open field Pepper fertilization program (Planting on the 1-15 of April):
A. Plant nutrients
Stage kg/ha/day kg/ha/phase
Growth phase duration
N P2O5 K2O N P2O5 K2O
(days)
First 2 weeks 14 1-1.5 1-1.5 1-1.5 14-21 14-21 14-21
Vegetative Growth 14 2-2.5 1 3.0-4.0 28-35 14 42-56
Flowering - fruit set 40 3.0-4.0 1 4.5-5 120-160 40 180-200
Fruit set - harvest 75 2 - 2.5 1 3.0-4.0 150-185 75 225-300
Total 145 300-400 140-150 460-580
B. Actual fertilizers

Stage kg/ha/day kg/ha/phase

Growth phase duration Haifa Haifa
(days) A.N.* Multi-K®* A.N.* Multi-K®*
MAP* MAP*
First 2 weeks 14 0.5-1 2.5-4 3.5-5.5 7-14 35-55 50-75
Vegetative growth 14 0.5-1.5 8-14.5 3.5 7-21 110-200 19
Flowering - fruit set 40 3-5.5 12-13 3.5 120-220 480-520 140
Fruit set - harvest 75 0.5-1.5 8-14.5 3.5 37-110 600-1100 263
Total 145 170-365 1225-1875 470-495
* A.N. = ammonium nitrate
Multi-K® = Potassium nitrate
Haifa MAP = Mono-ammonium phosphate

17
3.1.2 Poly-Feed® water-soluble NPK fertilizers

Table 15: fertilization recommendations for bell pepper in tunnels. Expected yield: 50 ton/ha
Growth stage Days Poly-Feed® formula kg/ha/day Total kg/ha
Initial establishment 7 15-30-15 8 56
Vegetative to fruit set 20 19-19-19 13 260
Fruit set to 1st harvest 20 18-9-27 13 260
Harvest 100 18-9-27 13 1300

Table 16: fertilization recommendations for bell pepper in greenhouse. Expected yield: 120 ton/ha
Growth stage Days Poly-Feed® formula kg/ha/day Total kg/ha
Initial establishment 10 15-30-15 8 80
Vegetative to fruit set 25 19-19-19 13 325
Fruit set to 1st harvest 20 18-9-27 15 600
Harvest 170 18-9-27 13 2210

3.1.3 Multicote® Agri Controlled Release Fertilizers

An N:P2O:K2O ratio of 2:1:3 is recommended, as pre-plant application. This

application will take care of the nutritional requirement of the plot for the entire
growth season.
Multicote® Agri granules should be incorporated into the soil, 10cm deep and
10cm away from the planting row.
Consult a local Haifa representative for detailed explanations and instructions.
Table 17: Multicote® Agri application recommendations bell pepper in
greenhouse
kg/ha Analysis Longevity
2,500 - 3,500 17-9-27 8 months

18
3.1.4 Foliar nutrition
To correct plant nutrient deficiency at the critical stage, spray with the suitable Haifa water-soluble
fertilizer at a safe concentration. The safe spray concentration may vary, depending on climatic
conditions. In order to determine the safe spray concentration, one should spray it on a few plants
and check for any phytotoxicity symptoms after 3-5 days.
Table 18: Haifa water-soluble fertilizers for foliar application:
Fertilizer Curing Treatment Recommended concentration
Haifa Bonus
5B Potassium deficiency 1% - 2%
Haifa MAP Phosphorous deficiency 0.5 % - 1 %
Haifa MKP Phosphate and potassium 0.5 % - 1 %
deficiency
Magnisal® Magnesium deficiency 0.5 % - 0.75 %
Poly-Feed® N-P-K and micronutrients deficiency 0.75 % - 1.5 %

Table 19: Example of foliar feeding program (complement to Nutrigation™), Mexico

Growth stage Product Spray conc. Application rate
(%) (kg/ha)
Transplanting Poly-Feed® 12-43-12+ME 0.5-1 1-2
Vegetative Poly-Feed® 19-19-19+ME 1-2 3-4
Magnisal® 0.5 1-2
Haifa Micro Comb 0.1 0.5
Fruit setting Poly-Feed® 10-10-43+ME 1-2 3-4
Time intervals between sprayings: 15 days

19
3.2 Soilless-grown pepper
3.2.1 straight fertilizers

There are different growth media with different physical and chemical characteristics. The
following are general fertilization recommendations for all soilless growth media.

Fertilizer stock solution: Once dissolved, not all fertilizers are inter-compatible with each other.
Therefore, they have to be split into two fertilizer tanks: A and B, according to their compatibility.
Fertilizers containing phosphorus (P) or sulfur (S) should be dissolved in Tank A only, while
fertilizers containing calcium (Ca) or magnesium (Mg) should be dissolved in Tank B.

The concentration of the fertilizers stock solution depends on:

1. The ambient temperature (higher ambient temperature enables higher concentration)
2. The injection rate - how many liters of the fertilizer solution will be injected into each cubic
meter (1000 liters) of the irrigated water
Dividing the injection capacity by one cubic meter should be the concentration of the fertilizer
solution. If, for example, the injector will deliver 5 L into each cubic meter of the irrigated water
(1000 L / 5 L = 200), the amount of fertilizer dissolved in the tank should be multiplied by 200.

Example I - Holland
The following example was prepared to fit Dutch conditions (low transpiration and low water EC).
Considerable and proportional reduction in the concentration of the macronutrients should be
practiced at lower water quality prevailing in other conditions.

Table 20: Nutrition database for sweet pepper in Holland, grown on rockwool
Parameter Nutrient solution (ppm)
EC (mS/cm) 2.2
N- NH4 17.3
N- NO3 216.9
P 39
H2PO4 121.3
K 254.2
Ca 190.5
Mg 36.5
S, total 55.5
SO4 168.2

20
Table 21: Recommended water-soluble fertilizers and their rates, to prepare the above
recommended solution:
Plant nutrients – g/m3 solution
Fertilizers g/m3
NO3 NH4 P* K* Ca* Mg* S*
Multi-K® 500 65 190
Haifa SOP 150 63 22.5
Haifa Cal 1000 155 190
Magnisal® 120 13.2 10.8
MgSO4 260 26 33.8
Haifa MAP 140 16.8 37.8
Total 233.2 16.8 37.8 253 190 36.8 56.3

Example II – Florida, USA

Table 22: Hydroponic fertilizer solution concentration for growing peppers in a shade house on a
composted pine bark medium
Nutrient Concentration (ppm = mg/L)
Nutrient
Transplant to first flower After first flower
N 100 130
P 50 50
K 120 200
Ca 100 150
Mg 40 50
S 50 60

Table 23: Recommended water-soluble fertilizers and their rates to prepare a fertilizer solution
from transplant to first flower and a fertilizer solution after first flower.
A. From transplant to first flower
Plant nutrients – g/m3 solution
Fertilizers g/m3
NO3 NH4 P* K* Ca* Mg* S*
Multi-K® 150 19.5 57
Haifa Cal 530 82.15 100.7
MgSO4 400 40 52
Haifa MKP 220 49.94 61.6
Total 101.65 0 49.94 118.6 100.7 40 52
* conversion factors: P x 2.29 = P2O5 ; K x 1.20 = K2O ; Ca x 1.40 = CaO ; Mg x 1.66 = MgO ;
S x 3.00 = SO4

21
B. After first flower
Plant nutrients – g/m3 solution
Fertilizers g/m3
NO3 NH4 P* K* Ca* Mg* S*
Multi-K® 360 46.8 136.8
Haifa Cal 680 105.4 129.2
MgSO4 470 47 61.1
Haifa MKP 220 49.94 61.6
Total 152.2 0 49.94 198.4 129.2 47 61.1

Example III – general USDA recommendations:

Table 24: Total nutritional requirements
Nutrient Concentration (ppm = mg/L)
Nutrient
Transplant to first flower After first flower
N 70 160
P 50 50
K 119 200
Ca 110 190
Mg 40 48
S 55 65

Table 25: Recommended water-soluble fertilizers and their rates to prepare a fertilizer solution
A. From transplant to first flower
Plant nutrients – g/m3 solution
Fertilizers g/m3
NO3 NH4 P* K* Ca* Mg* S*
Multi-K® 80 10.4 30.4
Haifa SOP 60 25.2 9
Haifa Cal 580 89.9 110.2
MgSO4 400 40 52
Haifa MKP 220 49.94 61.6
Total 100.3 0 49.94 117.2 110.2 40 61

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B. After first flower
Plant nutrients – g/m3 solution
Fertilizers g/m3
NO3 NH4 P* K* Ca* Mg* S*
Multi-K® 140 18.2 53.2
Haifa SOP 200 84 30
Haifa Cal 1000 155 190
MgSO4 480 48 62.4
Haifa MKP 220 49.94 61.6
Total 173.2 0 49.94 198.8 190 48 92.4
* conversion factors: P x 2.29 = P2O5 ; K x 1.20 = K2O ; Ca x 1.40 = CaO ; Mg x 1.66 = MgO ;
S x 3.00 = SO4

Example IV – Israel
Recommendations are for macro nutrients (N, P & K) by growth stages.

Table 26: Recommendations for nutrient concentrations in irrigation (drip) water for soilless
grown peppers in Israel.
(g/m3)
Growth Stage Period
N P* K*
Establishment –3 flower
rd
Early Fall 50 - 60 15 - 20 75 - 80
Fruit development and growth Fall 80 - 100 25 - 30 100 - 120
Harvesting Winter 150 - 180 30 - 35 200 - 230
Harvesting Early Spring 140 - 150 30 - 35 160 - 190
Harvesting Spring-Summer 120 - 130 25 - 30 150 - 160

Important: EC of irrigation water should be lower than 2.0 mS/cm

Table 27: Required amount of fertilizers to supply the above-recommended nutrients, by growth
stages
A. Establishment to 3rd flower
Plant nutrients – g/m3 solution
Fertilizers g/m3
NO3 NH4 P* K*
Ammonium
nitrate 50 - 70 8.5 - 11.9 8.5 - 11.9
Multi-K® 200 - 210 26 - 27.3 76 - 79.8
Haifa MAP 60 - 80 7.2 - 9.6 16.2-21.6
Sub-total N 50 - 70 8.5 - 11.9
Total 50.2 - 60.7 16.2 - 21.6 76 - 79.8
* conversion factors: P x 2.29 = P2O5 ; K x 1.20 = K2O ; Ca x 1.40 = CaO ; Mg x 1.66 = MgO ;
S x 3.00 = SO4

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B. Fruit development & growth
Plant nutrients – g/m3 solution
Fertilizers g/m3
NO3 NH4 P* K*
Ammonium
nitrate 10 - 130 17 – 22.1 17 – 22.1
Multi-K® 260 - 320 33.8 – 41.6 98.8 – 121.6
Haifa MAP 90 - 110 10.8 – 13.2 24.3 – 29.7
Sub-total N 50 - 70 8.5 - 11.9
Total 78.6 - 99 24.3 98.8 – 121.6

C. Harvesting - winter
Plant nutrients – g/m3 solution
Fertilizers g/m3
NO3 NH4 P* K*
Ammonium
nitrate 200 - 250 34 - 42.5 34 - 42.5
Multi-K® 530 - 610 68.9 - 79.3 201.4 - 231.8
Haifa MAP 110 - 130 13.2 - 15.6 29.7-35.1
Sub-total N 102.9-121.8 47.2 - 58.1
Total 150.1 - 179.9 29.7 - 35.1 201.4 - 231.8

D. Harvesting – early spring

Plant nutrients – g/m3 solution
Fertilizers g/m3
NO3 NH4 P* K*
Ammonium
nitrate 210 - 200 35.7 - 34 35.7 - 34
Multi-K® 42 - 500 54.6 - 65 159.6 - 190
Haifa MAP 110 - 130 13.2 – 15.6 29.7 – 35.1
Sub-total N 90.3 - 99 48.9 – 49.6
Total 139.2 – 148.6 29.7 159.6

E. Harvesting - spring - summer

Plant nutrients – g/m3 solution
Fertilizers g/m3
NO3 NH4 P* K*
Ammonium
nitrate 160 - 210 27.2 – 35.7 27.2 – 35.7
Multi-K® 400 - 420 52 – 54.6 152 – 159.6
Haifa MAP 100 - 110 12 – 13.2 27 – 29.7
Sub-total N 79.2 – 90.3 39.2 – 48.9
Total 118.4 – 139.2 27 – 29.7 152 – 159.6
* conversion factors: P x 2.29 = P2O5 ; K x 1.20 = K2O ; Ca x 1.40 = CaO ; Mg x 1.66 = MgO ;
S x 3.00 = SO4

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3.2.2 Poly-Feed® water soluble NPK fertilizers

Table 28: Recommended composition of nutritional solution for soilless-grown peppers

A. In moderate or cold climate with low sun radiation and soft water (North and North-East Europe,
North France, UK, Japan, Korea)

Concentration in irrigation water (ppm) Recommended Conc.

N P K Ca Mg Poly-Feed® formula (kg/m3)

190 45 285 130 40 14-10-34+ME 1.0

Some acid and Haifa Cal calcium nitrate should be added to adjust the pH and to complete calcium
requirements.

B. In hot climate with high sun radiation and hard water (Middle East, Mediterranean countries)

Concentration in irrigation water (ppm) Recommended Conc.

N P K Ca Mg Poly-Feed® formula (kg/m3)

170 40 215 100 35 11-12-33 0.8

Some acid and Haifa Cal calcium nitrate should be added to adjust the pH and to complete
calcium requirements.

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Appendix I: Haifa Specialty Fertilizers

Pioneering Solutions
Haifa develops and produces Potassium Nitrate products, Soluble Fertilizers for Nutrigation™
and foliar sprays, and Controlled-Release Fertilizers. Haifa’s Agriculture Solutions maximize yields
from given inputs of land, water and plant nutrients for diverse farming practices. With innovative
plant nutrition schemes and highly efficient application methods, Haifa’s solutions provide
balanced plant nutrition at precise dosing, composition and placing. This ultimately delivers
maximum efficiency, optimal plant development and minimized losses to the environment.

Potassium Nitrate
Haifa's Potassium Nitrate products represent a unique source of potassium due to their nutritional
value and contribution to plant's health and yields. Potassium Nitrate has distinctive chemical and
physical properties that are beneficial to the environment. Haifa offers a wide range of potassium
nitrate products for Nutrigation™, foliar sprays, side-dressing and controlled-release fertilization.
Haifa's potassium nitrate products are marketed under the Multi-K® brand.

Multi-K® Products
Pure Multi-K®
Multi-K® Classic Crystalline potassium nitrate (13-0-46)
Multi-K® Prills Potassium nitrate prills (13-0-46)
Special Grades
Multi-K® GG Greenhouse-grade potassium nitrate (13.5-0-46.2)
Multi-K® pHast Low-pH potassium nitrate (13.5-0-46.2)
Multi-K® Top Hydroponics-grade potassium nitrate (13.8-0-46.5)
Enriched Products
Multi-npK® Enriched with phosphate; crystalline or prills
Multi-K® Mg Enriched with magnesium; crystalline or prills
Multi-K® Zn Enriched with zinc; crystalline
Multi-K® S Enriched with sulfate; crystalline
Multi-K® B Enriched with boron; crystalline or prills
Multi-K® ME Enriched with magnesium and micronutrients; crystalline

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Nutrigation™
Nutrigation™ (Fertigation) delivers pure plant nutrients through the irrigation system, supplying
essential nutrients precisely to the area of most intensive root activity. Haifa’s well-balanced
Nutrigation™ program provides the plant with their exact needs accordingly with seasonal
changes. Decades of experience in production and application of specialty fertilizers for
Nutrigation™ have made Haifa a leading company in this field. Haifa keeps constantly up to date
with contemporary scientific and agricultural research, in order to continuously broaden its
product line to better meet the requirements of crops and cropping environments.
HAIFA offers a wide range of water-soluble fertilizers for Nutrigation™. All products contain only
pure plant nutrients and are free of sodium and chloride
Multi-K® Comprehensive range of plain and enriched potassium nitrate products
Poly-Feed® Soluble NPK fertilizers enriched with secondary and micro-nutrients
Haifa MAP Mono-ammonium phosphate
Haifa MKP Mono-potassium phosphate
Haifa CAL Calcium nitrate
Magnisal® Our original magnesium nitrate fertilizer
Haifa Micro Chelated micronutrients
Haifa VitaPhos-K™ Precipitation-proof poly-phosphate for soilless Nutrigation™
Haifa ProteK Systemic PK fertilizer

Foliar Feeding
Foliar Feeding provides fast, on-the-spot supplementary nutrition to ensure high, top quality yields
and is an ideal feeding method under certain growth conditions in which absorption of nutrients
from the soil is inefficient, or for use on short–term crops. Precision-timed foliar sprays are also a
fast-acting and effective method for treating nutrient deficiencies. Foliar application of the correct
nutrients in relatively low concentrations at critical stages in crop development contributes
significantly to higher yields and improved quality. Haifa offers a selection of premium fertilizers for
foliar application. HAIFA offers a selection of fertilizers for foliar application:
Haifa Bonus High-K foliar formulas enriched with special adjuvants for better absorption and
prolonged action
Poly-Feed® Foliar NPK formulas enriched with micronutrients specially designed to enhance the
crop performance during specific growth stages
Magnisal®, Haifa MAP, Haifa MKP, Haifa CAL and Haifa Micro are also suitable for foliar
application.

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Controlled Release Nutrition
Multicote®, Haifa's range of Controlled Release Fertilizers includes products for agriculture,
horticulture, ornamentals and turf. Multicote® products provide plants with balanced nutrition
according to their growth needs throughout the growth cycle. Multicote® products enhance plant
growth, improve nutrients use efficiency, save on labor and minimize environmental impact.
Single, pre-plant application controlled-release fertilizer can take care of the crop’s nutritional
requirements throughout the growth season. Controlled release fertilizers are designed to feed
plants continuously, with maximal efficiency of nutrients uptake. Controlled release fertilizers save
labor and application costs. Their application is independent of the irrigation system, and does not
require sophisticated equipment.
Taking advantage of MulticoTech polymer coating technology, Haifa produces Multicote® line of
controlled release fertilizers.

Multicote® Products
Multicote® for nurseries and ornamentals; NPK formulae with release longevities of 4, 6, 8, 12 and
16 months
Multicote® Agri / Multigro® for agriculture and horticulture
CoteN™ controlled-release urea for arable crops
Multicote® Turf / Multigreen® for golf courses, sports fields, municipals and domestic lawns

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Appendix II: Conversion Tables
From To Multiply by From To Multiply by
P P2O5 2.29 P2O5 P 0.44
P PO4 3.06 PO4 P 0.32
H3PO4 H2PO4 0.9898 H2PO4 H3PO4 1.38
K K2O 1.20 K2O K 0.83
Ca CaO 1.40 CaO Ca 0.71
Mg MgO 1.66 MgO Mg 0.60
S SO3 2.50 SO3 S 0.40
S SO4 3.00 SO4 S 0.33
N NH4 1.28 NH4 N 0.82
N NO3 4.43 NO3 N 0.22

From To Multiply by From To Multiply by

Acre Hectare 0.405 Hectare Acre 2.471
Kilogram Lbs 2.205 Lbs Kilogram 0.453
Gram Ounces 0.035 Ounces Gram 28.35
Short Ton MT 0.907 MT Short Ton 1.1
Gallon (US) Liters 3.785 Liters Gallon (US) 0.26
Kg/Ha Lbs/acre 0.892 Lbs/acre Kg/Ha 1.12
MT/Ha Lbs/acre 892 Lbs/acre MT/Ha 0.001

1 meq Correspondent 1 mmol Correspondent Weight of ion

element (mg) element (mg)
NH4 + 14 mg N NH4+ 14 mg N 18 mg NH4+
NO3- 14 mg N NO3 - 14 mg N 62 mg NO3-
H2PO4 - 31 mg P H2PO4 - 31 mg P 71 mg P2O5
HPO4 2- 31 mg P HPO4 2- 31 mg P 35,5 mg P2O5
HPO4 2- 15.5 mg P K+ 39 mg K 47 mg K2O
K+ 39 mg K Ca2+ 40 mg Ca 28 mg CaO
Ca2+ 20 mg Ca Mg2+ 24 mg Mg 20 mg MgO
Mg2+ 12 mg Mg SO42- 32 mg S 48 mg SO4
SO4 2- 16 mg S Na+ 23 mg Na -
Na+ 23 mg Na Cl- 35.5 mg Cl -

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